UK Government Expands Use of AI Tool to Analyze Public Opinion on Policy Matters

The UK government is expanding the deployment of an artificial intelligence tool named ‘Consult’ to assess public opinion across various policy areas. Originally developed and used by the Scottish government to evaluate sentiment on non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox and fillers, Consult has demonstrated its capability to produce results equivalent to those generated by human analysts. The tool forms part of a suite called ‘Humphrey’, named after a character in the political satire ‘Yes, Minister’, and is designed to enhance government efficiency by automating labor-intensive tasks. According to official estimates, Consult could save around £20 million annually and eliminate the need for approximately 75,000 days of manual labor by civil servants. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has praised the tool for its cost-saving potential and pledged its adoption across various government departments. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ambition to embed AI deeply within the UK’s governmental and economic infrastructure, aiming to unlock up to £400 billion in value. However, the adoption of AI in the workforce faces challenges including infrastructure, training, and disparities in public comfort levels with AI, particularly among older women. The government views tools like Consult as pivotal in its modernization and digital efficiency agenda.